UCAs a must?

S

Stifler

Banned
Pulling the trigger on the TOYTEC Ultimate and some 285 BFG ATs. Anyone running like setups did you have to get UCAs in order to pull the alignment to spec? I am thinking of just ordering them anyway and having it all done at once but if it isn't a must then I can divert that cashflow toward the Baja Rack. Thanks
 
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Lift + 33"s I would say you really ought to get them to prevent/solve rubbing issues that may arise. MT has LR UCAs for around $400.
 
ya that was sort of my thinking... for only $500 or so more I might as well do it all in one shot. I plan to run 285/70r17 BFG ATs on the stock SR5 wheels no spacers
 
How high are you planning on setting the ultimate to? "They say" you need it when you get around a ~+3"lift. Heck, I have just over a two inch and I'm considering picking up uca.

As for wheels, you may want to check some of the will it fit threads here. Depending what wheels you are talking about you may need spacers. In other words, I haven't read anywhere if ucas allow a 285 on stock wheels with no spacers.
 
I am shooting for close to 3"

as for the stock wheels with 285s there are MANY people running them without spacers on here
 
In my experience, you don't have to have them, but you will want them. You will want to get 3 to 4 degrees of caster to keep the steering from becoming too light. There are many threads on this forum discussing the lack of steering feel when the caster is set at the factory settings. In order to get that caster setting without UCA's the camber will go too negative. After installation of my OME lift without UCA's the truck was difficult to drive at freeway speeds and keep it in one lane. After the UCA's were installed caster was set at 3.5 degrees and camber was set at 0 degrees and all is well. I had rubbing with and without the UCA's with 285/70 BFG Mud Terrains.
 
I'm runnin 285's with no spacers on factory wheels! Prior to replacing UCA's, could only get 0 degree of caster, not good. Replacement UCA's will allow alignment of 4 + degree of caster, truck drives straight as an arrow now.
 
I just recently got icon UCA's, not because I was rubbing, because I had snapped both ball joints. Once you add spacers, you'll still rub. I ran TE wheels on 285 Firestone Destinations + toytec ultimate at 3" before I did my spidertrax setup, had no issues.
 
Mines is OK.

Stifler said:
Pulling the trigger on the TOYTEC Ultimate and some 285 BFG ATs. Anyone running like setups did you have to get UCAs in order to pull the alignment to spec? I am thinking of just ordering them anyway and having it all done at once but if it isn't a must then I can divert that cashflow toward the Baja Rack. Thanks
Click to expand...

2010 TE running 285 BFG ATs on 17x8 Procomps, Toytec Ultimate lift, no aftermarket UCAs. Lift is at about 2 1/2". Had rubbing issues but cut out small section and used heat gun to remold liner at body mount. No rubbing issues now. Truck drives and tracks very nicely. Has better steering feel than stock. Caster is 3.5, camber I'm not sure. Was looking at UCAs but got turned off by squeaky uniballs.
 
Well I just made this real easy. The 4runner is my daily driver/camping vehicle. I have a Jeep for hardcore stuff.....

just ordered the daystar 2.5/1.5 lift and some 265 BFG ATs

Done and a lot less cashola lol
 
order canceled.... just couldn't cheap my way through this...

original plan back in place... I am a fickle beyatch when it comes to this stuff! lol
 
Holy Hell!!!! $700 for installation is what I was quoted yesterday.. WTF?!

is that going rate?

TOYTEC Ultimate
LR UCA
rear coils/shock
alignment


I would have guessed no more than $500
 
That price seems a bit steep but if it's a reputable shop and you know it will be done right, it might be worth it. Whichever shop you choose, I would recommend going to one with some 4x4/off-road expertise so that everything is adjusted properly and done right the first time.

One note of caution, I have seen quite a few 4Runners with the Toytec Ultimate lift or other adjustable coil overs with too much lift in the front. You really don't want to exceed 3 inches of lift up front and if the Toytec ultimate is maxed out (or close to maxed out) it will go beyond 3" of lift. My personal taste is to have a lift that levels the 4Runner but maintains a little bit of rake. This will also prevent rear end droop when you have your 4Runner loaded up with gear. Not to mention, too much lift will start to reek havoc on your CV axles.

Speaking of which, I would recommend getting the front diff drop kit as well. It's an inexpensive and effective way to get your CV axles close to level.

Front Differential Drop Kit - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits

I installed the diff drop kit when I did my lift and I have not had any issues with my CV's so far. That was about 25k miles ago. It's kind of hard to see in the pic below, but my CV's are fairly level with the diff drop kit and the 3" OME lift.

IMG_4153.jpg~original
 
They are a reputable shop and have done a few 5th GEN 4runners... but $700? I mean the coilovers are pre assembled it isn't like we are doing 5100s or something that requires disassemble and reassembly of struts.... just seems a bit steep
 
$700 at $85/hr (avg rate that I've seen) is a bit over 8hrs. No way a skilled shop would take that long to do that work.

My work including alignment was $400. That was for front coilovers, ucas, rear 5100/springs.
 
That is right in line with what I was expecting! Guy said plan on leaving the truck there for 2 days!.. thinking they are overbooked and milking wallets... oh well next shop it is.....
 
Stifler said:
OK, S&M 4x4 will do it for $450 + Tax, alignment included
Click to expand...

Much better price!! Glad you decided to go the ultimate route. I did the spacer route first, and in a way am regretting it. It's nice to be running 285s, but I wish I would have gone with the ultimate in the first place. That's why it's next on the list!!
 
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